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KGNU Music

24/7 Music from KGNU Radio in Boulder + Denver.

All Episodes

00:31:09

Local Gold: Salome Songbird

KGNU Music ·

2025/10/01

Salome Songbird, a Denver-based trio blending strings, harmonies, and heartfelt songwriting, returned to KGNU for a live in-studio session. They performed original songs, including “Moon Song,” “White Wine,” and “Mango Margaritas,” and spoke with Indra Raj about their creative process, balancing heavy themes with humor, and upcoming shows across Colorado. (9/24/25)

00:30:48

Studio Session: Marco Pave

KGNU Music ·

2025/10/01

Marco Pavé, a Memphis-born hip hop artist and CU artist-in-residence, joined KGNU for a live studio session. Blending sharp lyricism with the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta, Pavé spoke about carrying forward the hope and resilience of his ancestors while performing tracks that showcase his Southern roots and contemporary vision.

00:08:00

Interview: Sean Mason

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/30

Pianist and composer Sean Mason joined Indra Raj on KGNU to talk about his path from Charlotte to becoming a Grammy-nominated jazz artist. He shared how he blends tradition with innovation, the cultural influences behind his music, and his collaboration with vocalist Catherine Russell. Mason will perform in Denver with MAS Presents at the Savoy on Thursday, October 2nd, and on Friday, October 3rd with Catherine Russell, ahead of the release of his new album A Breath of Fresh Air.

00:16:16

Interview: Mollie O'Brien & Carla Sciaky

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/29

Mollie O’Brien and Carla Sciaky joined Meredith Carson to share memories of their longtime friend Jill Sobule. They reflected on her sharp humor, deep songwriting, and collaborative spirit, noting how she balanced lightheartedness with profound observation. O’Brien and Sciaky also performed “Rock Me to Sleep,” co-written by Sobule on the night of Princess Diana’s crash, highlighting the poignancy and craftsmanship that defined her music. (Interview: 9/19/25)

00:21:26

Studio Session: Flutter

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/24

Denver indie-rock band Flutter joined KGNU to share music from their two EPs, Flutter and When You Love Somebody. The group discussed their collaborative songwriting, overcoming setbacks like injuries, and recording with Ryan Wong. They’ve been playing shows around Denver at venues like Hi-Dive and Squire Lounge, with upcoming dates at Skylark Lounge and Mutiny. (Studio Session: 9/18/25)

00:15:19

Interview: Wave Generators

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/24

Deep Rawk Dave welcomed Wave Generators, a new hip-hop collective featuring former New Kingdom member Nosaj and independent artist Height Keech. The group is on tour behind their debut Runaway with a Wild and a Rare One and will perform at Mutiny Information Cafe in Englewood. They discussed their origins, the meaning behind their name, the energy of live shows, and the importance of bringing a group dynamic back into hip-hop. (Interview: 9/19/25)

00:15:13

Interview: Sizzla

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/24

Sizzla joined KGNU on September 20, now celebrated as “Sizzla Day” in Colorado, ahead of his performance at Cervantes with Code Red Band. He spoke about spreading love, unity, and righteousness through his music, and highlighted the charity aspect of the show, raising funds for a primary school breakfast program. Sizzla reflected on his career, the importance of giving back through his Youth Foundation and Judgment Yard, and encouraged young people to stay in school and upcoming artists to stay

00:34:32

Interview: Keith Roberts

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/24

Keith Roberts of the Young Dubliners spoke with Rodger Hara on Shamrock Gale about the band’s upcoming September 20th benefit concert at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, supporting the Miners Memorial. Roberts reflected on the Irish immigrant connection to Colorado mining history, shared details on their new album—set for release in 2026 with singles out now—and discussed the importance of charity work and giving back through music. He promised a set rich in Irish songs and tradition, tailored to

00:24:10

Studio Session: Global Roots Ensemble

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/24

The Global Roots Ensemble joined Iris Berkeley on Mundi for a live in-studio session ahead of their concert on Sunday, October 5th at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Supported by a recent arts grant, the group aims to bring together diverse communities through storytelling and music that blends traditions from around the world. They previewed new works, including Benes to Brandenburg, imagining a meeting of Bach and the Indian poet-musician Kabir, and Raja’s Footprints, inspired by John Coltrane’s

00:18:35

Interview: Wilhelmina Smith and Dawn Avery

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/23

Cellist Wilhelmina Smith and composer-vocalist Dawn Avery (Mohawk) joined Sanford Baran to discuss their new album, Sweetgrass. The collaboration began during the pandemic, when Smith sought out indigenous composers and was drawn to Avery’s music, which connects deeply with nature and Mohawk traditions. Their work together, including pieces like Gratitude and Decolonization, blends cello and voice to convey indigenous sounds, spirituality, and storytelling. The title track, Sweetgrass, honors one of

00:34:10

Local Gold: Avourneen

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/18

Avourneen, a talented Irish-influenced band from Colorado, visited KGNU for a local gold performance, showcasing their Celtic roots and multi-genre influences. The band members—Kieran, Adam, and Alice—shared their musical journeys, discussed their instruments, including fiddle, guitar, bass, and the Irish bouzouki, and performed both traditional tunes and Leonard Cohen tributes. They also talked about upcoming shows, including a Leonard Cohen tribute at Swallow Hill and the Colorado Highland Games,

00:15:45

Studio Session: Colby T. Helms

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/18

Colby T. Helms, a bluegrass and country musician from Southern Virginia, stopped by KGNU to share his music and stories from his life and career. He performed songs from his debut album Tales and Misfortune, including his heartfelt tribute Daddy’s Pocket Knife, and his upbeat homage to his hometown, Mountain Brandy. Colby discussed his band, the Virginia Creepers, his upcoming album recorded in Nashville, and how listeners can follow his music online. KGNU listeners got a taste of Colby’s East Coast

00:05:22

Interview: Richie Flores (The Blind Cafe)

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/17

Interview: Richie Flores (The Blind Cafe) by KGNU Music

00:27:45

Interview: Amy from Blues on the Mesa

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/16

Amy and George, promoters of Blues on the Mesa in Colorado Springs, joined Dan Willging on KGNU to preview the September 27th festival, featuring Grammy winner Ruthie Foster, Mike Zito, Jack Hadley with Peaches, and more. They highlighted the festival’s mountain setting, diverse food and drink options, and community activities. Special guest Eden Brent called in from Greenville, Mississippi, sharing memories of past Colorado performances, her mentorship from Boogaloo Ames, and her new album Blues

00:17:19

Studio Session: Elephant Revival

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/16

Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival joined Meredith Carson live on KGNU for a rare solo performance, sharing new songs including Ashes and More to It. She spoke about Small Town for a Cause, a two-day festival in Salida on September 19–20, featuring Elephant Revival, Moontricks, Lindsay Lou, and more. The event raises awareness for community causes, including the preservation of Hutchinson Ranch and research on tick-borne diseases. Paine also performed with Elephant’s manager, Ryan Dart, and

00:10:49

Studio Session: Monica LaBonte

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/12

This KGNU interview features Monica LaBonte and Courtlyn Carpenter, organizers of the Sound Post Sessions in Longmont. They describe the series as a twice-monthly concert series at the Times Collaborative, showcasing both touring and local artists in a listening-room setting. Courtlyn shares details about the season kickoff party at Dry Land Distillers and the schedule running September through May, while Monica talks about Mixtape, a Nashville-style songwriter swap she curates. The conversation

00:24:17

Studio Session: Fair Elle

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/12

In this KGNU Afternoon Sound Alternative session, host Bruce Trujillo talks with Connie Hong of Fair Elle, who performs intimate, piano-driven songs from her solo project and reflects on her shift from band work with Ivory Circle to more personal songwriting. She discusses the vulnerability of performing solo, the inspiration behind the name Fair Elle, and her excitement to play at SarahFest, a femme-forward arts and music festival in Denver. Connie also shares her musical influences, her love of

00:37:29

Interview: Marla Fibish

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/12

This KGNU interview features California-based mandolinist, composer, and teacher Marla Fibish, who shares stories about discovering Irish music, playing her grandfather’s Gibson mandolin, and creating her new album Play Date with Rebecca Richman during the pandemic. She discusses her creative process, including how tunes often emerge quickly and organically, and the playful way beats were added and lost in her compositions Spring Forward and Fallback. Fibish also talks about teaching pulse and

00:33:40

Studio Session: Desert Hollow

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/12

In this KGNU studio session, Maui-based duo Desert Hollow join host Aaron Benko to share songs from their upcoming album Music for the Folks, out December 6th. They talk about their move from Los Angeles to Hawaii, the challenges and inspiration of island life, and recording 14 tracks in just three days with producer Matt Linesch. Between stories from their four-month tour, they perform live renditions of “Just This One,” “Stoned to Death,” and “Flowers in Her Hair,” showcasing their heartfelt folk

00:06:15

Interview: Yvette Rollins from Melanin Funk Fest 2025

KGNU Music ·

2025/09/11

In this interview, producer Yvette Rollins joins KGNU’s Indra Raj to talk about the upcoming Melanin Funk Festival 2025, taking place on Friday, September 12th in downtown Boulder. Rollins shares how the festival began three years ago as her “love letter” to Boulder, highlighting community, music, and culture. This year’s event will feature DJ Barry, SSI and the Fafa Family, and hip-hop duo The Reminders, creating a vibrant block party atmosphere reminiscent of New York–style community gatherings

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